Sausage skinning machine



SePt- 28, 1954 v. A. GREY 2,689,971

SAUSAGE SKINNING MACHINE Filed Ilarch 9, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet l .7\ INVENTOR.

Q. JW

Sept. 28, 1954 v. A. GREY sAUsAGE SKINNING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Hatch 9, 1953 m m w.

Sept 28, 1954 v. A. GREY 2,689,971

SAUSAGE SKINNING MACHINE Filed March 9, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept. 28, 1954 v. A. GREY sAUsAGE SKINNING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 9, 1953 JNVENToR.

#Wd/Maf 7W- Sept. 28, 1954 v. A. GREY 2,689,971

SAUSAGE SKINNING MACHINE Filed uarch 9, 195:5 e snee'ts-sneet 5 IN V EN TOR.

6 Sheets-Sheet 6 v V. A. GREY SAUSAGE SKINNING MACHINE Sept. 28, 1954 Filed March 9, 1955 Patented Sept. 28, 1954 gasten UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2;6s9,97`1 sA'UsAcn sKfiNNING MACHINE victor A. Grey, Chigo, n1.,`asfgnrftxartfidg- Pak'MachineCol, a corporation of Ivv'a Applieatin March 9, 19m-serial No. 341,034j

20 Claims.

'Ijhis invention relatesfto the mian ufacture of sknless frankfurters or sausagesv and is more particularly concerned withv improvements in mechanism for removing in a Arapidandv efficient manner the casing or skin of a plurality of connected sausage links. a

`In the manufacture processed by cooking and smoking or 'other' treatl ment necessary tov prepare the product ,for

market and the processed links are separated finally by removing the casing. Machines have been provided for mechanically stuffing the casing and for forming the individual sausages preparatory to the processing operation-sj but the 'nal operation of separating the processed sausages is generally performed by hand,rwhich has" chines for mechanically removing the casing have been heretofore proposed but theyy have either not operated satisfactorily to remove the casing or they have been too slow and inefiic'ient.

In copending application Serial'No. 189,874,

led October 12, 1950, now Patent No'. 2,630,598, issued March 10, 1953, a sausage Skinning machine is disclosed which incorporates'- mechanism capable of removing the casing from 'successive links of connected sausages in avsatisfactory and efficient manner. This mechanism however, does not provide for'autom'aticcontrol of the sausages, vbut the feeding isA underl the control of the operator and vthe speed and efficiency of the mechanism isnecessarily dependent on the skill and the attention Iof ythe ('Jperator.y

It is a general object ofthe present invention to provide an improved mechanism forremo'ving the casing from' a string'of connected sau`` sage links which, upon theleadin'g sausages in the string being properly startedmthroughthe machine, operates automatic'allyV upon successive sausages' to eiii'c'iently and'rapdly separate the sausages vand deliver the same from the cas- It is another objectnof the invention t0 PrO'- vide mechanism for operating on successive sausages in a connected string thereof to straighten the casing betweenfit and the next succeeding.

sausageL afterwhichhitis advanced through the loosening` and 4 slitting mechanism and completelyiseparated .from the casing. n

-1t is ,afurther object Yof the invention to prof vide amachine forremovingthe casing from a pluralityofuconnected sausage links, which sausagesare characterized by being formed with a twisted Asection of casing separating the individual sausagesand with the twisting beingA in thel same dire/c tionmwherein a hollow rotatably mounted mechanism iswprovided having means thereingfory slitting the `casing as the sausages move therethrough, means for iniiating the casing tov loosen thesame in advance of the slitting means, and resilient meansrorgripping the sausages andh guiding them `through the same, together, with mechanism vfor gripping the slit casing vandfpr lexerting a pull thereon to move the A lsuccessive sausages through the casing loosening and slitting mechanism, and control mechanism havingx`lmeans engageable with the sausages andresponsive to y`movements thereof to rotate the casing loosening and slitting mechanism and operate the casing pulling mechanismN whereby each successive sausage is moved intogtheclasfing loosening and slitting mechanism and axially 1rotated,to remove the twist in the casing between itA and the next ysucceeding sausage, .andv thereafter thecasing lis advanced by the ycasingV pulling mechanismuto move the sausagfe-through'the vcasing loosening and slitting mechanismjand Ato' advance thev next succeeding sausag'e'fint "theysaine for rotation thereby.

1't`isf`a stillfurther object "of the invention to provide amechanis'm forre'm'oving the casing from yafplurality` of' connected 'sausages which comprisesfa rotatable 'hollow head, sausage guiding 'and' supporting members `in the head for guidingtlie sausages 'axially through the same, aplow and slitting device arranged within the head land Aadapted to engage between the sausages and the casing to, partially loosen the casing from thesausages and slit the same longitudinally-Y as the sausages are moved into the head, the plow being provided with a stream of air which inflates the casing in advance oi the slitting device, a guideway for directing the successive sausages into the head, a rotatable feeding mechanism for engaging the slit casing beyond the head and exerting a pull thereon to move the sausages therethrough, power mechanism connected to the rotatable head and the rotatable casing pulling mechanism for operating the same, electrical control mechanism for said power mechanism which control mechanism is operative to selectively rotate the head and the casing pulling mechanism and a pair of movably connected actuating ngers which are positioned to engage the sausages as they move into the head, the fingers being movable in response to advancing movement of the sausages and to inilation of the untwisted casing section between each sausage as it moves into the head and the next succeeding sausage, and the control mechanism being responsive to movements oi the fingers whereby the head is rotated to remove successive twists in the casing and the casing is pulled to advance the next succeeding sausages into the head.

It is another object of the invention to provide a machine for removing the casing from a plurality of connected link sausages which sausages are characterized by being formed with a twisted section of casing separating the individual sausages and with the twisting being in the same direction, wherein a rotatable head through which the sausages are adapted to pass in an axial direction is provided having therein resilient gripping and guide means for the sausages, a plow and slitting device adapted to engage between the sausages and the casing to partially loosen the casing from the sausages by a stream of air directed through the end of the plow and to slit the same longitudinally as the sausages are moved through the head, a rotatable device mounted beyond the discharge end of the head for engaging the casing and exerting a pull thereon sufcient to move the sausages through the head, and control means adjacent the entrance to the head and responsive to movement of the sausages and ination of the casing between the Same to operate successively the head for removing the twists between the sausages and the casing pulling means for moving successive sausages through the head.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism for removing the casing from a a plurality of connected link sausages, which sausages are characterized by being formed with a twisted section of casing separating the individual links and with the twisting being in the same direction, the mechanism comprising a hollow rotatably mounted head having supporting and guiding members for directing the sausage links therethrough, a plow and slitting device in the head arranged to engage between the sausages and the casing and slit the casing, the plow having a controllable supply of air at the tip adapted to innate and loosen the casing ahead of the slitting, rotatably mounted elements beyond the head which are operable to engage and exert a pull on the slit casing, a guideway for directing the sausages into the head, a power mechanism and clutch means for selectively connecting the power mechanism with the rotatable head and the rotatable casing pulling elements, a switch controlling the clutch means and also controlling the supply of air to the plow, a pair of yieldable operating fingers connected to the switch, the yieldable lingers being arranged to engage '4 on opposite sides of the sausages as they advance toward the head and being movable towards each other when they engage the twisted sections of the casing between the sausages whereby to cause the power mechanism to rotate the head and remove the twists in the casing and also to cause air to be delivered to the plow to inflate the casing sections when they are untwisted, the ngers being movable away from each other upon ination of the untwisted casing sections to operate the casing pulling elements and pull the sausages through the head while stopping the rotation or the head, with alternate operation of the head and the casing pulling elements being continued until all the sausages in the string have been untwisted and passed through the head.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism for use in removing the casing from a plurality of connected sausages which are characterized by twists in the casing between the sausages wherein operation of the mechanism, upon initially threading the leading sausages through the same, is completely automatic, with each successive sausage being moved through the mechanism and separated from the casing after it has been rotated to remove the twist between it and the next succeeding sausage and with each sausage being moved into the mechanism and automatically rotated the required amount to straighten the casing connecting the same with the next succeeding sausage regardless of the number of twists in the casing, the last sausage and the trailing end of the casing being automatically carried through the mechanism.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism for use in removing the casing from a string of connected sausages wherein the operation of the mechanism is completely automatic after the leading sausages have been threaded into the mechanism and the power mechanism which drives the same has been started, all of the sausages being automatically moved through the mechanism and operation or the mechanism being automatically stopped upon movement oi the last sausage and the trailing end of the casing through the mechanism.

lt is another object of the invention to provide in a power driven mechanism for removing the casing from a string of connected sausages, automatic control means :for operating the mechanism which includes a cut out for the power drive which is controlled by a casing feeding device whereby the mechanism can be placed in operation only after the leading sausages in the string have been properly threaded into the mechanism and the leading end of the casing engaged by the casing feeding device.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the mechanism which is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a side elevation of mechanism embodying therein the principles of the invention, with portions thereof broken away;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1, with portions broken away;

Fig. 3 is a View, to an enlarged scale, taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2 showing one end of the head which constitutes the Skinning mechanism;

Fig. l is a view, to an enlarged scale, taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 2, and showing the other end of the Skinning mechanism;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view, taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

aescgevr FigA 7 isa'detailed view 'taken-generally onthe line'I--T of Fig'.`5;

Fig. 3 is f'a detailed'view, to-anvenlargedscala takenv generally, onthe line- 8#-8 fof-.Fig.-- 1;

Fig.l -9 is a section; to an enlarged lscale, taken on the 'line 9--9 of lig.-vv 1;`

Fig, l is a sectionftaken Ion the-:line iii-i9 of Fig. 9i

Fig. 11 is a sectiong'to an"en1arged'scale, taken onl the'line I i-'I I ofFig.-19;=

Fig. 12 is 'a section,`A to anl'enlalrged scale,v taken on the line I2=-l2 of Fig. -10;-`

Figs. 13, 14'and-il5-are schematicviewsillustra'tng the operation' of the control--nger`s;'

Fig. 16 isla schematic layout 'offfthe' f'electrical connections inf the machine and* Fig. 1'7 is a schematic'ilayoutiof the compressed air connections in the machine.

Referring to the drawings thereisf-illustrated a mechanism which embodies 'the principal-features of the invention and-which is adaptedto remove the casing from a lengthor string of connected sausage links. The sausages with which the illustrated mechanism' isy adapted to be used are of the typewhich are initially formed or linked by dividing a 'predetermined length-'of filled sausage `casing into links of uniform length and rotating each `successive link to impart a twist in the casing between it and the next succeeding link. Such sausages 'when' processed may be readily :untwisted by rotatingeach sucoessive sausage'in the oppositedirecti'on While the remainder of the string is heldtor remains in non-rotating relation thereto, .the casing being of cellulose which does not adhereto itself in the twisted areas during .the processing and which will not rupture under the tension developed during the twisting operation.

The illustrated mechanism' comprises (Figs. 1 and 2)' a main supporting frame or cabinet It having depending legs-I Il -and provided along an upper side edge with an elongate'A sausage 'supporting structure I2 'for-f receiving'a`V string or iength of connected f sausages I3 in partially strung-out or extended relation.' A sausage skinning device or head I4 'is supported on the upper forward corner ofv the vcabinet I0 yadjacent the end of the supportingstructure 'I`2- with the'end thereof in proper alignment therewith-Ito receive the connected sausages I3 as theyaremoved longitudinally over the supporting feed structure I2. A'casing pulling or feeding s'device "'15 is arranged in spaced relation andin proper'alignment with the dischargeor'rdelivery end of fthe Skinning head' I4 for feeding thel sausages through the Skinning head I4. A delivery conveyor It or 'other collecting :dev-ice is arranged beneath the Skinning head I4'and-fpositioned'to receive the individual-sausages-I?, "as theyare separated from the casing by-"thelskinning .device It and deliveredfrom the rna'c'hine.` Acontrol mechanism I'i -for "automatically controlling the operation of the skinning head `I4 `and the casing pulling or` ifeed-ing-i-"devic'e`r I 5' `-isfarranged adjacent the supporting structure 4I2 atthe receiving end of the' Skinning .head I4:

The supporting feedI structurev I2, on which the string ofsausages `i3 is-positioned for delivery tothe Skinning head -I4, comprises 'a generally rectangular, relatively 'narrow,f^openetopped, liquid receiving 'tank-'I8 =Which is provided with a-suitable liquid,- such as water,- which is--maintained at a ytemperature ofapproxi'mately 115i.

` the same.`

Preferably'. af self-contained thermostatically controlled electric heater-'I9 is positioned in the rear l-end of the -tank'lto lmaintain the liquid' at the properltemperature'. A-"supply-container 29' is provided at the-rearend of the-=tank Ifor receiving a substantial number of-strings of the sausagesA I3,- the receptaclef 2'Il^=beingeprovided withla curved ilange 2 IL for' guidingzandfsupporting the sausages I3-as`a 'string'is fed-into the tank-v I8 and beneath a 'roller-122" whichf insures that the sausages-'are iiimiersed in lthelieluid as they approach thefforwardfendof the tank It where they are directed upwardly"towards the receiving' end of-theheadfm by aguidingand supporting plate member having-fan'upper platform 2 3 and' an' upwardly-inclined*rampl portion 24.' The'forwardend' or platform-portion 23 of the support plate is provided at the front end thereof with notchedfside-iiangesf-Z (Figf) and supporting pins 26 are provided in the-sidewalls of the tank I8 for-removably-mountingthe plate in theforward end of the tank -IS with theplatform portion v2li substantially 'horizontal and at the topv edge ofthe tank.- A'pair of laterally spaced guide members 21 extend' upwardly of the platforml 23 andserve tofguide or direct the individual sausages-toward the receiving end of the head `Ill in proper alignment with the same. The entire supporting structure I2 is secured to the cabinet I@ by -anangle'bracket 28--beneath A bottom--drain-Iaperture and drain pipe 29 are provided to' permit the liquid to be drained from-the tank I8 when desired.

The casing-removingor Skinning head i@ (Figs.

2, 3, 4 and 5)v iis-supported by a bracket plate 3d extending laterally from vthe -top plate of the cabinet I0 adjacent the end of the tank i8.A The head I4 comprises -an outer-member 3|- consisting preferably of ahollow tube-like section which is rigidly secured at the bottom, by any conventionalfasteningsmeans, to the bracket S3, the `latter beingbolted -or otherwise secured to the cabinet I0. The outer head member 3l is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to and spaced above the top-of the Vplatforrri member 23 approximately the diameter of the saw sages I3.- The head member I4 is `spa-ced a predetermined distanceforwardlyof the end of the tank- I3. f

The outer head member-M forms a supporting cage or frame'for-an-inner head member 32 which is received `in rotatable `relation in the same.

inner head member 32 -(Fig. 5) consists'of a radie-` like section which has a-somewha-t smaller exter nal diameter than the internal` diameter oi the outer member 3I and which isseparated there-- from and supported for rotation therein by a pair or" axially spaced carbon bearing-rings 33 of substantial thickness A pair ofmetal sealing rings 34, which are of generally L-shaped cross secti are arranged in axial-ly yspaazd relation between the opposed inner faces of4 -the bearing rings and are urged away from each other toward the faces of the bearingrings 33 .by-a plurality of peripherally spaced compression springs 35 seated insuitable aligned recesses provided in the opposed inner edges or faces of the rings 34. The sealingrings 34 are arranged Iwith their outer peripheral faces-engaging the inner wall of the head member-:M- at 33` and with their -outer posi-tely-directed iend faces engaging the inner faces of the bearing rings 33 at 31. -A- pair of rubber 0-rings 38 are arrangedfbetweenthesealingrings 34 and the outer peripheral'surface of the inner- -headf' mem-ber32, which Oerings' are conned in the axial direction by axially spaced rib or shoulder formations 39 extending from the peripheral surface of the member 32 and which hold the sealing rings 343 in spaced relation to the outer peripheral surface of the inner head mem- Iber 5?; and in engagement with the inner surface of the outer head member 3l. A channel-like peripheral air space lo is provided between the spaced rings and the opposed inner faces of the sealing rings 351, the latter being held in spaced relation by the springs 35. The air space Il@ is connected through an aperture lll in the external head member 3l and supply pipe di? with a source of compressed air which will be described subsequently. The inner head member 32 is pro vided with a radial aperture i3 which is in ccmmunication with the air receiving compartment do.

The outer head member tl is provided on opposite faces or ends with cover plates it and l5 each of which is apertured to receive the rotatable inner members with the internal margins of the cover plates projecting over a portion oi the end faces of each bearing ring t3. The cover plate (lli is secured to the head member 3l by means of a plurality of counter-sunk screws while the cover plate i5 is secured to the opposite end of the head member 3i by counter-sunk screws lll'.

Sealing gaskets 5S are arranged in recesses in the inner edges of the outer member 3l adjacent the outer edges of the bearing rings 33. The inner head member 32 is provided at the end abr jacent the tank i8 with a cover plate it which is secured to the end of the member by counter-sunk screws 5@ and which has an external diameter somewhat smaller than the internal diameter of "le cover plate Al on the outer head member 3l "hat the outer margin thereof extends over and into engagement with the inner portion of the cuter face of the bearing ring 33. The cover plate di) is provided with a central aperture which is approximately the same diameter as the internal diameter of the inner head member. The inner head member 32 extends at the other end of the head beyond the outer end face of the outer member di through the central aperture provided in """ie face plate l5 which is of larger diameter than the external diameter of the inner member 32.

The member 32 is recessed at its end edge to provide a groove 5l receiving therein the hub 52 of a driving sprocket 53 which is secured in xed relation thereon by a set screw 5ft. A. spacer' washer 55 extends between the inner face of the sprocket 53 and the outer face of the bearing ring E3 on the inner member 32.

Sausage guide means is provided within the interior of the inner head member 32 which comprises oppositely disposed, elongate plates or bracket members 55 and 55 which are curved so that they are generally C-shaped in cross section and which carry between bearing flanges 5l, 58 and 5s, E@ formed along the marginal edges there of a plurality of relatively small elongate rollers il and S2, which rollers are arranged in spaced relation axially of the head it. The ends of the supporting brackets i5 and 55 extend outwardly or rearwardly of the face of the head lll toward the tank it projecting above the sausage supporting shelf 23. The distance between the two oppositely disposed sets of rollers 6l and 52 is somewhat greater than the diameter of the sausages !3 which are being fed to the head. The rollers 6i and t2 function to hold the sausages in alignment and guide them through the head I4.

A relatively thin elongate resilient plate Gli (Fig. 5) extends axially of the head between the sets of rollers 6l and S2 and carries at its rear end adjacent the platform 23 a roller 65 supported in end bearing brackets and 61 (Fig. 3) extending upwardly of the plate Sli. Plate 64 is abent at the opposite end to provide an oifset attaching portion 55 which is secured by screws 69 to the inner wall of the head member 32 adjacent the discharge end with the body of the plate 54 extending in the axial direction toward the sausage receiving end of the head and spaced from the inner wall thereof. Plate 64 and the end roller 55 provide a resilient support for guiding the sausages through the head and urge the sausages toward a casing separating and slitting device il! which is mounted opposite the plate 64. A stop member 'il (Fig. 3) extends laterally of the plate Sii beneath the edge of adjacent bracket 55 and limits the movement of the roller B5 toward the casing slitting device it.

The casing separating and slitting device lil is mounted on a rectangular block i2 which is secured by screws 'i3 to the inner wall of the rotatable head member S2 in oppositely disposed relation to the resilient plate ttl and the roller C55. The block 7E carries on its inner face a plow member icl (Figs. 5 and 7) which consists of a reversely bent hollow rod or tube having its inner ends l5 extending through an aperture l5 in the block 'l2 and secured in the aperture in the head member 32 to place the same in communication with the air compartment ti). The head portion il of the plow, which is formed by the looped or bent end in the tube is provided at i8 with apertures to deliver a fan shaped stream of air outwardly thereof for loosening the casing from the sausage meat. A relatively thin knife blade or slitter member i9 extends upwardly between the two legs of the tube member and into a slot 353 in the supporting block "J2, being secured in clamped relation by the clamping screw 3| at the end of the block. The apertured head il of the plow member 'it is adapted to be positioned between the sausages iii and the casing S2 so that air supplied to the plow head 'il' will be forced some distance from the head 'Il and tend to loosen the casing 82 from the sausages I3 as they are moved along beneath the plow li. The knife 'lil slits the casing iii as it is drawn against the edge thereoi above the plow member lll. A roller 83 is supported on bearing formations 84, 35 (Fig. 3) on the ends of bracket members 55 and 55 which tends to hold the sausages i3 in proper relation on the plow 'M as they pass beneath the same while the resilient plate iid and roller G5 mounted thereon tend to urge the sausages I3 against the plow lf3, the movement of the plate dfi `/eing limited by the stop lll.

An axially extending bar or bracket member (Figs. 5 and 6) projects from the discharge and of the inner head member 32 and is secured by a connecting bracket 8l and screws ist to the outer face of the sprocket 53. Bar member it supports laterally extending axially spaced inner and outer stub shafts 39 and B, with the inner shaft 89 being spaced some distance from the end of the inner head member 32. The inner shaft 89 carries a guide roller QI, preferably formed of wood or similar material, having a center section 92 which is somewhat narrower than the length of the shaft 89 and end hub forming portions t3 of reduced diameter. The outer shaft 9!) supports in freely revolving relaclose-,971

tion thereon a .roller-.34. Asfthe .casingiiZifis pulled from the head 114-' .it is v:passedover the roller 9| and beneaththeV roller.v 94. '."Thecentral portion Q2 and the hub forming-portions Mfof the roller 9| receive thecasing: in reversely draped relation thereover which assists in. stripping 'the casing from the sausages I3. andfre'eingfthelatter completely therefrom.

The inner head member 32 is rotatedfor driven relative to the xed outer memberiil by'means of sprocket'ES which :isconnected by afchain 95 (Fig. 2) to a driven-sprocket-Btwhichois mounted 0n the driven shaftirlof a change speed device S8. The changevspeeddeviceflg is mounted within the cabinet :I: and lthe driven shaft thereof extends outwardly throughan aperture provided yin 'the` sideof 'the casing. The input shaft @Si for the 'change Aspeed-device 98 -is connected in driving lrelation-with the motor |00 by pulley IDI on the shaft=9ll,^drivingbelt |02 and pulley H33v on'the---drive shaftcfithe motor Illl. The sprocket 96 V'is-connected' tothe shaft g1 through anelectromagneticclutch-1M. The clutch -I @d is/electricallyyconnectedtc control mechanism lli-which will be described'andopcrates to automatically connectanddisconnect the sprocket 96 invdrivingrelation with Ethe` shaft Si, in response tooperation of the control-mechanism il.

The electromagnetic clutch 4ltd-maybeof` any type which can be operated'y toA start-'or'stoppthe rotation of the head I4=-byconnecting^and disconnecting the drive therefor with the shaft-91. Preferably the clutch |04 is of the type in'which cooperating clutch plate elements are-provided having contacting faces vwhiclrwhenthe clutch is activated are held against relativeY rotation while when the clutch is de-activatedu they are free to rotate relative to" eachother. One of the clutch elements isv keyed tothe constantly rotating shaft illl and nis activatedor energized by a stationary coil arrangedfiny a fixed casing adjacent the same which issupplied. with current from an electrical circuit controlled by a micro-switch forming part of thev automatiocontrol mechanism Il. 'lhe other-orjdriven clutch element is rotatably mounted on: the shaft and secured tc the sprocket 96 which drives the chain 95. When the constantly rotating clutch pole piece is cle-energized by cutting off the current to the coil the driven clutch element` and the sprocket 9G attached thereto arefree tojstop rotating which allows the-headmemberjSZ'to come to a stop. The operation (ofltthe clutch is automatic and substantially instantaneous resulting in relatively rapid starting and.4 stopping of the rotation of the headmemben 32.

vrEhe sprockets iiandt andl the chain, S5 Aare preferably covered by a coverplatejl which is removably mounted .onv thercabinet III] and which is suitably apertured at opposite-,endsto receive the end of theV rotatablemhead member 32 and the extended Quterend of. theadriven shaft 91.

The casing feed oi-pull .mechanism y.I5 is mounted on a supportingplate: .I06. (Figs..1,.-2 and 8) which is secured tothecabnetlmby,a suitable bracket |01 extending from the side face thereof at the ldischarge end ofthe skinning vhead Ill. 'lhepulll mechanism I5 comprises a pair of rcooperating rollers-|08 and |09, supported on shafts Il@ and I I I, which rollers are provided with interengaging toothed-or rcorrugated engaging surfaces. The shaft H0v is journaled in. the upper-end. :of any yupstandingf' T- shaped bracket |12 having the -:topl orhead portonprojecting at' anrangle and forwardly towardthe Skinning head I4. The shaft .II I which carries the roller :|09 is .rotatably vmounted in the ends of Athe forwardlypprojectin'g, legs of a cooperating U-shaped bracket I I3 which straddlesthe stem of the. bracket H2 and. which is pivoted at I I4 to the same. The bracket I I3 carries4 at its pivoted end an anglebracket H5 and a vtension spring |-|6 connects :the same to: the plateult, therebyurging the roll Ille into c0- operating driving engagement .with the .roll |08. A stop control switch I I'I is provided at the outer end of the bracket ||5 and. anadjustable screw I I8 is provided in the end of bracket I I5 for o-peratingthe same so that when the rolls .m8 and vi 09 are in engagement without the .casing 82 being threaded between the same the power circuit is openand the machine is stopped and will not operate. When the rolls lili!r and m9 .are separated by the casing being fed between the same the stop switch I |I is operated to close the power circuit so that the machine is in condition for operation upon actuation of astartingswitch. The xed bracket I|2 .for supporting the roll IIlSalso carries at-its free end a supporting angle plate I I9 having an aperture extending transversely near the lower endv thereof, in which there is removably mounted a .bar or post |20. The bar 1I 20 projects laterally and parallel to the axisy of the. shaft III, and carries thereon in spaced relation a pair of` upstanding outer and innerguidemembers |2I. and |2I".for. .receiving therebetween the casing-82, the outermember |2| having. an outwardly bent upper end portion. The shaft' E); carrying the .roller .I `is extended beyond the other side of theupstanding bracket II Zand `is connected through an electromagnetic clutchrdevce :|22. withv the end ofra'flexible shaft I23,.the. other endof the shaft '|23v being connected .in drivingl relation ywithithe driven shaft 97: extending-from theicabin'et IIB. The shaft |23 is .normally rotating or in .driving .relation Vwhen the motor; |00 is operating-whileitheshaft I'I is connected thereto `through the 'clutch' |22 which is electricallyconnected to control mechanism I'I. Theclutch. |22 lis the same type as clutch |04 andis arranged .soz .that the cooperating clutchzelementsxor .plates-are varranged in reverse relation relative .to the driving shaft. That is;the clutch element or .pole piece which is energized'by the fixed. coil isukeyed on-shaft IIQ while the other clutch plate member is fixed to a. sleeve rotatablyimounted on the end of shaft I I0 which sleeve ,isconnected to the endv of ,the drive shaft 'I23and'rotates with the same; When the clutch is energized to--hold theclutch plates in non-rotating -relation to each otherthe shaft H0. is connected in driving relation -with shaft |23. In -th-ismanner the clutch. |22 is'operated to connect or` disconnect .the shaft. III] .with the drive 'shaft |23 inv response to operation of. the control mechanism The control mechanism I'I which automatically controls the rotation of the casing skinning and separating head I 4 and the casing p-ulling or feed mechanism I5 bythe -meansof the electromagneticclutches IM and I 22 comprises abox-like case or frame |25 (Figs- 1, 2; 9'and 10) which is securedto a supporting bar or plate member |26 mounted onthe -top ofthe cabinet l'ibetween the posts I2'Ivand |28. `Theccntrol mechanism |'Iv includesa pairlof resiliently movableYactuating-or control ngersdi@ and' |38, Which: areformed from relatively thin elongated plates bent at an angle along their long axis to provide oppositely disposed edges 131 and 132 which are adapted to be positioned for engagenient on opposite sides oi" the string of sausages 13 as illustrated in Figs. i3, 14 and 15. The control actuating fingers or plates 12d and 13s are secured in depending relation, with the opposed edges 131 and 1312 parallel, on the ends oi a of horizontal arms 133 and 13d (Fig. 9) which arms are pivotally connected at their opposite ends to shaft 135 and sleeve 13G, respectively. Shaft 135 is mounted for relative rotation within the sleeve 13S and the sleeve is rotatably mounted by means of bearings 131 and 1311 in a vertical bore 139 in the outer end of a horizontal support bracket or arm 1111i, which projects downwardly through an elongate aperture 1151 provided in the bottom member Elli or" the frame The support arm 111e is pivotally mounted at its other end on a vertical shaft 1d? journaled in a bearing 1113 in the bot tom member 1611 and a bearing sleeve 111:1 in a hired portion of the top member 15.15 of the frame 125. The supporting arm 11111 is swingable about the pivot with the movement in one direcn tion limited by a slotted adjustably mounted stop plate 1111i secured by screw 111'! in the bottom member 1111 with lthe arm 11F urged toward the stop plate by a tension spring 11113 connected at opposite ends to the arm 141i and the vertical side wall of the frame 125. A top bearing is provided for the upper end of the shaft 135 which comprises an adjustable set screw 111i? mounted in the overhanging end of an angle bracket 151B which is secured to one side or" the free end portion of the supporting arm 11111 by means of a set screw 151, the lower end of the set screw 1118 engaging the top of a cap screw 152 which secures to the top of the shaft 135 a switch actuating plate 153 having an end finger d (Fig. 9) which is adapted to engage a roller switch button 155 projecting upwardly of a micro-switch 11i@ which is mounted on the vertical portion of a supporting angle bracket 151 attached to the top of the sleeve 136. The bear ing sleeve 13d is held against downward vertical movement in the bore 139 by the bracket 151 engaging with the end of the :bearing member 13S while upward movement is prevented by arm 13d which is secured on the sleeve 136 below the bearing 131. The shaft 135 is held in the sleeve 1111i by the arm 133 secured on the lower end thereof below the end of sleeve 1315 and the plate 153 which is spaced above the upper end of sleeve 1315 by washer 151i and fastened to the shaft 135 by the cap screw 152. The switch operating finger 154 and the switch roller button 155 are so arranged that the roller 155 is in the path of movement of the ringer |54 upon relative rotation of the shaft 135 and the sleeve 151i. The nngers 129 and 1311 are urged toward each other by a tension spring 15'1 connected at one end to the outer upper corner of the vertical portion of the angle bracket 151 and to the cor ner of the plate 153. When the ngers 12S and 13s are in the closed position as in Fig. 13 the switch actuating finger 154 is on the far side oi the roller 155 as viewed in Fig. 9. Upon the iingers 12@ and 1311 moving towards an open position, the n'ger 1511 engages the roller 155 and actuates the micro-switch 1151i. As the fingers 12s and |39 move to a wide open position, as in Fig. l5, the ringer 15a passes over and beyond the switch roller 155 and allows the microl2 switch to operate to actuate the driving clutch 122 and deactivate the clutch 11111.

Air is delivered to the plow member '11i in the head 111 through suitable conduits and control devices as illustrated diagrammatically in 17. Air is supplied under suitable pressure, by a pump or other exterior source (not shown), to a combination regulator and filter device 1152 (Figs. 2 and 17). It passes through a conduit 163 to manually controlled valve 111s at the rotary head 1li, and thence through the conduit 1135 to the connection 12 and into the air passage 1113 in the head 11i (Figs. 2 and 3). The air may also reach the connection i2 in the head 151 1by a line 1521 which connects the regulator 152 with the head 111 through a solenoid control valve 1111 and an expansion chamber 1118, the latter being provided to cmhion the sudden application of the to the head by the rapid opening ci the solenoid control valve 161.

The electric circuit is diagrammatically shown in Fig. 16. The main circuit is provided with a main switch 111i which, when closed, operates the motor 1h12 provided the stop switch 111 is closed. The stop switch 111 is placed on the machine in a position within easy reach of the operator for emergency stops. A starting switch or push button 11i is provided, also positioned on the machine within easy reach of the operator, which when closed actuates the relay 113 to close the remainder of the circuit provided the stop switch 111 (Fig. l) is closed, the relay 1113 closing the contacts 114 and 1115 which actuates the solenoid 11.11 and turns on the air in the head is. A rectifier 116 provides current for a secondary circuit which includes the control micro-switch and the coils of the electromagnetic clutches 11111 and 122.

In operating the mechanism the operator closes the main switch 17B to actuate the motor it@ and starts the shaft Si. into operation, the emergency stop micro-switch 111 being in a closed position. One end of a string of sausages which is positioned in the receptacle 213 is threaded over the guide plate 21 and beneath the roller 22 thro the tank 15 and the heated liquid with which the tank is lled. The nrst sausages are fed between the guide posts 2l' over the support plate 23 after the casing has been out and opened at the leading end of the leading sausage and the leading sausage has been rotated to straighten the casing between it and the nent succeeding sausage. The leading sausage 13 is ed through the head 14 with the end or head oi the plow '15% being positioned between the casing and the sausage and with the hand valve 156:'- opened to supply air to the plow 1d to innate the casing. A suncient length of the casing, approximately two sausage lengths, is fed through the head to reach the pull rolls 1118 and 1G13. The rolls 111B and 1119 are moved apart by lifting upwardly on the bracket 115 against the pull of the spring 1 15 and the casing S2 is inserted between the same in position for pulling by the rolls. This allows the switch 1 1'1 to close and the machine may then be started for automatic operation :by closing the starting switch 1'12, the manual air valve 1 having been closed, which sets the pull rolls 13S and 151i in operation and turns on the air through valve 161. Subsequent operations or the machine are controlled by the microsvvitch 160 which is actuated by movement of the nngers 129 and 13S. As the fingers 1121i and it@ move toward each other when a twisted section of casing between the individual sausages is 13 moved between them in lthepull, rolls |08and, |09 are stopped; and-the head i|-4 is rotated byyoperation of the clutches |22 and |04, respectively. .When the head vL4 has vrotated sufficiently to straighten the casing `between the sausage in .the head and the. next succeeding sausage in the string the air-suppliedfthroughfthe plow 74 by the solenoid operatedrv-al-ve Ill will inflatethe casing, as shownin Eig. 15, andmove the ffingers |29fand |30 away from each-other. Thisreverse movement of the fingers-|29 .and |30 operates .the micro-switch |60-topchangethe operation of the head Illandthey pull rollsl, and |09, stop 'ping the head 4.almost instantaneously and simultaneously.startingthepullrolls |08 and |09 to carry the sausagethrough the-head. The fingers |29A-and|30=are held in the separated position by the Aadvancing movement of the next succeeding sausage until they reach the next twist whichpermits them to move toward'each other and againact-nate the micro-switch |60 to changethe operation of the, head |4 and the pull rolls |08 and |09,-starting the rotation of the head |,4 andstopping the rotation of thepull rolls |08 and |09. When the lastsausage in the stringhas.passedintothe head |4 thengers |2-9-.and |30 move to the closed position which starts the pull-rolls |08Vandr|09 and stops the rotation of thehead I4. The pull rolls continue to operate `=`withv they4 headgstoppeduntil the y last sausage and the trailing `endof the casing -82 is removed from the head, theycasing02 passing between: the rollers |08 andy |09 andl allowing the same to move into closedposition and operate the switch to stop the-machine. The lingers |29 and |30 andthe relative location of `the switch roller |55 .and operatingfinger |54 `are so adjustedthat `when the ngersv|29fand |30 are closed asshown in: Fig.- 9 the switch actuating finger |544is on oneside-of the switchfroller |55 in position to operate the samefandf actuate the switch |50 ,asg the ngers |29. and |30move to open position. In the open position which occurs upon inflation of the casing between the sausages and -while .the lingers arefheld-open by the passageof a sausage the switch Ii-ll actuates the clutch |22 to rotate ,the pull rollsA Hi8-.and |09 while the clutch |04A is de-activated and the head |4 does. notV rotate. .As theqpulling ,operation of the rolls.|08 and |09 draws a sausage into the head and the ngers. |29 andI |30 fall into the ,space betweenyit and theneXt sausage-where there is a twisted-section lof.- casing (Fig, 14) the movement of, the, ngers causes the switch Voperating finger.. |54. to move onto the roller |55 and actuate the clutchA |04 to, rotate the head |4 until the twist is removed-and the untwisted casing section is inated between the `sausages which causes the lingers |29 and |30-tomove .towards ,the .open .position (Fig. l) withthengerv v|54 .moving to the other side of switchgroller |55 and actuates the switch` |50 to Ade-activate the clutch Hilland stop therotationofthe head while at the same time it activates the clutch. |22 and starts the-rotation ofthe pull rollers 1| 08 and |09. When the last sausage in the string, passes between the vlingers |29 and |30 they move. .toward each other to the closed position. (Fig- 13) and the switch activatingl inger |54 movesacross the switch :buttonj |55v toftheotherside thereof which causes lthe :pull rolls to continue operating but does not rotate the @head I4. This .permits the last sausage and the end of the. casing. to clear'the-maohine. Ihe arm |40 being. `pivoted about the post |42 permits the ngers-'|.29..and

OCCHI'.

:|301 to; -move .a limited distance ain; the? .forward direction toward.. the headl I4 as, they'arecarried forward vbyfk the l advancing sausage which :followsl the' twist in. thev` casing into. which the fingers have ydropped `as illustrated :in Fig. 14. Immediately lupon ination ofthe casing as il lustrated.inFig.` qthe lingers-|29 and |30 are separated; sufficiently `to permit; the springk |48 to pull the arm I'tbackwardftomove the fingers intoa normal position inspaced relation to the receiving end of the head |4. as shown in Fig. 2. The position ofthe lingers |29and |30 relative to; the receiving*endof the head, I4 may be ad- -justedbymovementof the stop blockl |46 in the frame; |so that they are. not pulledA forward asufcient'gdi-stance tostrike the head I4 when they move up towards; the-head4 i4, in engagement with the twisted section ofy .the casingZ, lhe switchactuatinghlate |53 maybe adjusted on the shaft |-by looseningthe cap screw |52 to properly timegthe'cpening. and closing movement ofthe switch-roller :|55so that theelectro- ,magnetic `clutches |04 and |22 will be properly operated torotate Tin ;p-roperly timed relation the head ill and the-rollers4v |08 and; |09. Since the operation of lthe;.casing pullingmechanism and the untwisting of-Vthe casing is controlled by the ngers |29 and |39 any non-uniformity in the twist between the sausage is automatically taken care of. vfthe casingV between a sausage and the ynext succeeding sausage has become untwisted and isstraightened asit approches the head i4 it is immediately inated with the air and the `lingers |20 and |30 which have been held in the ,openposition by the passage of the sausage will remain in the open position for passage of the .next succeeding sausage which results in the pull rolls |00 and |09 continuing to operate while the head i4 will not be rotated vuntil the iingers |29 and |30 have dropped -into the next space .provided I,between the sausage where the twists If there are more twists or less twists than the usual number the operation of the head i4A to remove the twist is stopped or continued -asrequired-since thengers |29 and |30 are actuated or moved apart by inflation of the casing which occurs when lthe twists are removed therefromv or it is straightened, regardless of .how manytwists are in the casing section as it moves upto the ,head where the air can reach the connecting section.

,Themechanism may be timed so that the rota- -ticn;ofthe pull rollers and consequent advanc- -ingmovement of the sausages is very nearly conn tinuous since .the-lingers- |29 and |30 are mounted so that they will'rnove forward at limited .distance with the sausage when the ngers drop into the space where the twist occurs, which forward movement is suflicient to permit the head to Irotate: lthe advancing sausage the required number of turns ,tov untwistthe casing simul- Vtaneouslywith the j forwardv movement of the same,.the casing .beingr inflated when untwisted andthe'ngers being separated thereby which permitthem to be moved rearwardly by the spring |43 until they drop-into the-next space andthe-operation is repeated. `The mechanism is operated at` a relatively high rate of speed and .1 the. untwistingand advancing movements may overlap or occur simultaneously.

vWhile the mechanism has been sh wn (Fig. 2) as.- embodying a single head |4- and accompanying elements forfoperating y.on-a single string of sausages at one time, operation -on multiple strings wof- 4thesausages Vmaybe `provided for by mounting the necessary duplicate mechanisms on the cabinet l0, it being possible to provide duplicate heads i4 and accompanying mechanism at either side of the top of the cabinet i0 with a plurality of the mechanisms being operated from a single source of power. In Fig. 2 a speed change device it is indicated which may be connected in tandem with the speed change device et and driven from the motor it, to provide a constantly rotating power shaft |8I for connection with a duplicate Skinning head and cooperating casing pulling mechanism at either .side of the machine, with automatic control mechanism provided for each head. A number of the Skinning devices may be thus arranged within easy reach and control of a single operator so that while the one string of sausages is being operated on by one set of Skinning and pulling devices another string can be threaded through and started in operation on another set of Skinning and pulling devices.

While specic details of construction and particular materials have been referred to in describing the illustrated form of the invention it will be understood that other details of ccnstruction and other materials may be resorted to within the spirit of the invention.

i claim:

l. A mechanism for removing the casing from length or connected link sausages which sause ges are characterized by a twist in the casing iveen the respective sausages, said mechanism comprising means for supporting the casing with tl. leading end thereof in substantially extendrelation, means adjacent said casing supporting means for guiding the connected encased sauin a predetermined path, a casing removing evice mounted along said path and having means for gripping each individual sausage and rotating the same relative to the succeeding sausage to untwist the casing between the sausa es, means arranged in said casing removing device for loosening and slitting the casing, means associated with said casing removing device for separating the casing from the sausages, means .cent said casing separating means for enamg the casing as it leaves said casing separatmeans and for exerting a pull thereon, and automatic control means associated with said casing removing device and said casing engaging means, said control means being operative in response- 'to movement of the sausage to start and stop the operation of said casing engaging means and to start and stop the rotation of said casing means whereby each sausage is rotated relative to the succeeding sausage to untwist the casing between the same and thereafter the casis removed therefrom.

A mechanism for removing the casing from length of connected link sausages which sausages are characterized by a twist in the casing oetween the respective links, said mechanism comprising means for supporting the leading portion of a length of the casing in substantially extended relation, means adjacent said supporting means for guiding the connected and encased sause jes in .a predetermined path, means adjacent guiding means for gripping each individual sausage successively and for rotating the same relative to the succeeding sausage to untwist the casing between the sausages, means arranged adjacent said gripping and rotating means for loosening and slitting the casing, means arranged adjacent said loosening and slitting means for separating the casing from the sausages, means arranged adjacent said casing separating means for engaging the separated casing and for exerting a pull thereon, operating mechanism connected with said gripping .and rotating means and with said separated casing engaging ineens, and means for actuating said operating mechanism, in .accordance with the rotative and axial movement of the sausages.

3. In a machine for removing the casing from a plurality of sausages which are connected by twisted portions of the casing, a hollow rotatably mounted head having means associated therewith for slitting the casing longitudinally as the sausages advance therethrough, means spaced from said slitting means in the direction of advancing movement of the sausages for advanci' g the siit casing and thereby moving successive sausages through the head, means for rotating the head to untwist the casing portions between. the sausages in the head and the next succeeding sausages, means for operating the casing advancing means, and control means for said head rotating means and said operating means actuated by the increase in diameter of the connecting portions of the casing which occurs when said portions are untwisted, to stop the rotation of the head and to start the operation or the casing advancing means, said control means being also actuated by the connecting portions ci the casing when said portions are in twisted condition to stop the casing advancing means and to start the rotation of the head.

4l. A mechanism for removing the casing from a string of sausages which .are encased in a tubular casing and are separated from each other by contracted but distensible intervening sections of the casing, said mechanism including means for progressively slitting the casing, power operated means adjacent said casing slitting means for progressively withdrawing the slit casing, and control means associated with said power opcgated means and actuated by the section or" the casing at therear end of the leading sausage when said casing is contracted said power operated means inoperative and for starting said pcwer operated means in response to the distention of said section from its contracted condition.

5. A hollow open-ended rotatable head through which a string of linked sausages are adapted to travel, means mounted in the head for cutting the casings on the sausages longitudinally as they move through the head, rotatable means associated with said head for withdrawing the cut casings as they are cut, means connected to said head for rotating the head to untwist the portion of the casing which connects the sausage in the head with the next sausage, means connected with said casing withdrawing means for rotating the casing withdrawing means, and control means connected with said head rotating means and with the rotating means for said casing withdrawing means for selectively actuating the same, said control means having movable fingers mounted in position for engaging the sausages, said ngers being operative when moved away from the sausages, by the increase in sise of connecting portion of the casing which occurs when said portion is untwisted, to stop the rotation of the head and to start the operation the withdrawing means, said ngers acting automatically when moved in a direction toward the sausages by engagement with a twisted connecting portion of the casing to stop the rotation of the withdrawing means and to start the rotation of the head.

- 6. A sausage skinning machine comprising ar hollow open-ended rotatable head, meansassociated with said head for axially guiding a string of linked sausages through the head, means associated with the head for cuttingthecasingson the sausages longitudinally as they `move therethrough, means adjacent said head for withdrawing the cut casings from the head, drive means connected to the head for rotating the, head to. untwist the portion of the casing which connects the sausage in the head with the next succeeding sausage, drive means connected to the casing withdrawing means for operating the casing withdrawing means, and control means connected with the drive means for rotating the vhead and for operating the casing withdrawing means, said control means having an actuatorfwhich is operated by the increase in size of said connecting portion of the casing which occurs when it is untwisted, to stop the rotation of the head when said casing portion has been untwisted and to start the operation of the withdrawing means, said control means also being operated automatically to thereafter stop the operation of the withdrawing means as soon as a twisted connecting casing portion has been drawn into a predetermined position relative to the head and to start the rotation of the head.

7. A hollow open-ended rotatable head through which a string of linked sausages are adapted to travel, means on the head for cutting the casings on the sausages longitudinally as they move through the head, means associated with the head for infiating the casing in advance of the slitting means, means associated with the head for withdrawing the cut casings as they are cut, means connected to the head for rotating the head to untwist the portion of the casing which connects the sausage in the head with the next sausage, means connected to the casing withdrawing means ior operating the casing withdrawing means, and control means connected with saidhead rotating means and With the operating means for said casing withdrawing means, said control means adjacent said head having elements mounted in position for resiliently engaging on opposite sides of the string of sausages, said control means being actuated when said elements are moved apart by the increase in size of an untwisted and inflated portion of the casing, to stop the rotation of the head and start the operation of the withdrawing means, said control means being actuated, when said elements are moved toward each other by engagement with a connecting portion of the casing which is in; twisted condition as it approaches the head to stop the operation of the withdrawing means and to start the rotation of the head.

8. A machine for removing the casing from a string of link sausages which are character-ized by a twisted casing section between each sausage and the adjoining sausages, comprising a hollow open-ended rotatable head through which the sausages are adapted to travel, meansk associated with the head for cutting the casings on the sausages longitudinally as they move through the head, means adjacent said head for Withdrawing the cut casings as they are cut, means connected to the head for rotating the head to straighten the portion of the casing which connects a sausage moving into the head with the next sausage, means connected with said casing withdrawing means for operating the casing withdrawing means, and control means connected with said head rotating means and with the operating means for said casing withdrawing means, said control means being actuated by the increase in size of said connecting portion of: the casing'which occurs at is is straightened, to stop the rotation of the head as said casing portion is` straightened and start the operation of the withdrawing means, said control means also acting automatically to stop the operation of the withdrawing means as the next sausage having a twisted casing section between it and the succeeding sausage is drawn into operative position inthe head and to Start the rotation of the head.

9,; A machine for removing the casing from a plurality of connected sausages, which sausages are characterized by being formed with a twisted section orv casing separating the individual sausages and with the twisting being in the same direction comprising a hollow rotatably mounted mechanism having means associated therewith for slitting the casing the sausages move therethrough, means for iniiating the casing to loosen the same in advance of the slitting means, and resilient means for gripping the sausages and guiding them therethrough, mechanism adjacent said rst mentioned mechanism for gripping the slit casing and exerting a pull thereon to move the successive sausages through said first mentioned mechanism, operating means connected withboth said mechanisms, and control mechanismconnected with said operating means, which control` mechanism comprises means positioned for engagement with the sausages and responsive to movements thereof, to actuate said operating means for rotating said first mentioned mechanism and for operating said second mentioned mechanism whereby each successive sausage is moved into saidiirst mentioned mechanism and rotatedv to remove the twist in the casing betweenit and the next succeeding sausage and the casing is moved by said second mentioned mechanism through said rst mentioned mechanism and the next succeeding sausage is moved into the same for rotation thereby.

10, In a machine for removing the casing from a string of conected sausages which are characterized by a twist in the casing between the individual sausages, a casing slitting and removing mechanism comprising a stationary outer ring member, an inner ring member rotatably mounted therein, means connected to said inner ring members to rotate said inner ring member, a, casing loosening and slitting device having a portion secured within one end of said inner ringmember, guide means associated with said device for engaging successive sausages and guiding the same relative to said device whereby the casing is loosened and slit. upon movement thereof through said inner ring member, a casing separating means extending beyond the other end of said inner ring member, -a separated casing pull meanspositioned adjacent said casing separating means, power meansV connected to said separated casing pull means for controlling the operation of said separated casing pull means, electromagnetic control mechanism connected to the means te rotate the inner ring member and to the `power means forr said separated casing pull means, and means connected to said electromagnetic control mechanism for actuating the same including a device which is movable in response to advancing movement of the sausages and also to the .untwisting of individualsausages, whereby each sausage in the string is rotated to -remove the twist in the casing between it and the next succeeding sausage and thereafter is moved by the separated casing pull means through the inner ring member.

11. A machine for removing the casing from a length of connected link sausages which sausages are characterized by a twist in the casing portions connecting the respective sausages, said machine comprising means for guiding the connected and encased sausages in a predetermined path, rotatable means adjacent said guiding means for resiliently gripping each successive sausage, a power drive shaft, clutch means connecting said gripping means to said power shaft whereby to rotate the same and untwist the portion of the casing between the sausage engaged thereby and the next succeeding sausage, means associated with said gripping means for loosening and slitting the casing as the sausages move along said gripping means, means arranged adjacent said loosening and slitting means for separating the casing from the sausages after it is slit, rotatable means arranged adjacent said sausage gripping means for engaging the separated casing and exerting a pull thereon whereby to advance successive sausages to said gripping means, clutch means connecting said casing engaging means to said drive shaft and an automatic control mechanism connected to said clutch means for selectively operating said clutch means, and means associated with said control mechanism for actuating, the same when there is a twist in the connecting portion of the casing between the sausage engaged by said gripping means and the next succeeding sausage to operate the clutch connecting the gripping means to the drive shaft and for actuating said control mechanism when there is no twist in the connecting portion of the casing between the sausage engaged by said gripping means and the next succeeding sausage to operate the clutch connecting the casing engaging means to the drive shaft.

l2. In a machine for removing the casing from a plurality of sausages which are connected by twisted portions of the casing, a hollow rotatably mounted head through which the sausages are moved, said head having means connected therewith for slitting the casing longitudinally as the sausages move therethrough, cooperating feed rollers arranged in spaced relation to said slitting means in the direction of advancing movement of the sausages for engaging the slit casing and advancing the same to thereby move successive sausages through the head, a drive shaft, clutch means connecting the head to said drive shaft for rotating the head to untwist the casing portion between the sausage in the head and the next succeeding sausage, clutch means connecting the feed rollers to said drive shaft for rotating the same, and automatic control means connected to said clutch means for selectively operating the same, said control means being activated by the increase in diameter of the connecting portions of the casing which occurs when said portions are untwisted, to stop the rotation of the head and to start the rotation of the casing feed rollers, said control means being also actuated by the connecting portions of the casing when said portions are in twisted condition to stop the casing feed rollers and to start the rotation cf the head.

13. In a machine for removing the casing from a plurality of sausages which are connected by twisted portions of the casing, a hollow rotatably mounted head having means connected therewith for slitting the casing longitudinally as the sausages advance therethrough, casing feed rollers arranged in spaced relation to said slitting means in the direction of advancing movement of the sausages for engaging and advancing the slit casing and thereby moving successive sausages through the head, a power drive shaft, clutch means connecting the head with the power drive shaft for rotating the head to untwist the casing portion between the sausage in the head and the next succeeding sausage, clutch means connecting the casing feed rollers with the power drive shaft, a switch selectively controlling the operation of said clutch means, a pair of control ngers associated with said switch, said fingers being pivotally connected and movable toward and from each other to operate said switch, said control ngers engaging on opposite sides of the sausages and being movable away from each other upon engagement with connecting portion of the casing when said portion is un'twisted and expanded, to stop the rotation of the head and to start the rotation of the casing feed rollers, said control fingers being also movable toward each other upon engagement with a twisted connecting portion of the casing to stop the rotation of the casing feed rollers and to start the rotation of the head.

14. A machine for removing the casing from a length of connected linlr sausages which sausages are characterized by a twist in the casing portions connecting the respective sausages, said machine comprising means for guiding the connected and encased sausages in a predetermined path, rotatably mounted means along said path and adjacent said guiding means for resiliently gripping each successive sausage, a power drive shaft, electromagnetic clutch means connecting said gripping means to said drive shaft to rotate the same and untwist the portion of the casing between the sausage engaged thereby and the next succeeding sausage, means associated with said gripping means for loosening and slitting the casing as the sausages move along said gripping means, means arranged adjacent saidl loosening and slitting means for separating the casing from the sausages after it is slit, means arranged adjacent said sausage gripping means for engaging the separated casing and exerting a pull thereon whereby to advance successive sausages to said gripping means, electromagnetic clutch means connecting said casing engaging means with said drive shaft, and an automatic control mechanism for selectively operating said electromagnetic clutch means, said control mechanism comprising a pair of oppositely disposed pivotally connected casing engaging elements mounted adjacent said gripping means, a switch electrically connected to said electromagnetic clutch means and mounted on one of said elements, a switch actuating finger on the other one of said elements, said switch being operated by said finger upon predetermined movement of said elements toward and from each other and said elements being moved toward and from each other upon passage of the sausages to said gripping means and engagement with the connecting portion of the casing between the sausage which is engaged by said gripping means and the next succeeding sausage.

15. In a machine for removing the casing from a plurality of sausages which are connected by twisted portions of the casing, a hollow rotatably mounted head having means associated therewith for slitting the casing longitudinally as the sausages advance therethrough, means mounted in spaced relation to said slitting means in the direction of advancing movement of the sausages for advancing the slit casing and thereby moving successive sausages through the head, means connected to the head for rotating the same to untwist the casing portions between the sausages in the head and the next succeeding sausages, means connected to the casing advancing means for operating the same, and control means associated with said head rotating means and the operating means for said casing advancing means, which control means is actuated by the increase in diameter of the connecting portions of the casing which occurs when said portions are untwisted, to stop the rotation of the head and to start the operation of the casing advancing means, said control means being also actuated by twisted connecting portions of the casing to stop the casing advancing means and to start the rotation of the head.

16. A mechanism for removing the casing from a length of connected link sausages which sausages are characterized by a constricted casingr section separating the respective links, said mechanism comprising means for guiding the connected and encased sausages in a predetermined path, means adjacent said guiding means for engaging each individual sausage and for orienting the same relative to the succeeding sausage to straighten the casing between the same, means associated with said sausage engaging means for loosening and slitting the casing, means arranged adjacent said sausage contacting means for engaging the slit casing and exerting a pull thereon whereby to advance successive sausages to said engaging means, and an automatic control mechanism associated with said slit casing pulling means which is responsive to straightening movement of the constricted casing sections to operate the slit casing pulling means.

17. In a machine for removing the casing from a string of link sausages which are characterized by constricted casing sections separating the sausages in the casing, means for slitting the casing longitudinally, means associated with said casing slitting means for advancing the casing past the slitting means, means associated with said' casing slitting means for straightening the constricted casing sections between the sausages and for enlarging the same, and automatic control means associated with said casing advancing means for starting and stopping the casing advancing means, said control means being actuated by the straightening and enlargement of the constricted casing section between a sausage advanced to said slitting means and the next succeeding sausage in the casing.

18. A machine for removing the casing from a plurality of sausages which are connected by constricted sections of the casing, said machine comprising means for inlating and straightening the casing and for slitting the same longitudinally, power operated means associated with said first mentioned means for advancing the casing to said first mentioned means, and control means associated with said power operated means for starting and stopping said power operated means, said control means being actuated by the straightening and inflating of the connecting casing section between a sausage advanced to said rst mentioned means and the next succeeding sausage.

19. A mechanism for removing the casing from a plurality of serially connected links into which a stuffed casing has been divided, which links are separated from each other by contracted but distensible intervening sections of the casing, said mechanism including means for progressively slitting the casing, power operated means adjacent said casing slitting means for progressively withdrawing the slit casing, and control means associated with said power operated means and actuated in accordance with the contracted or distended condition of the section of casing at the trailing end of the leading sausage for stopping and starting said power operated means.

20. A mechanism for removing the casing from a plurality of serially connected links into which a stuffed casing has been divided, which links are characterized by a twist in the casing between the respective links, saidv mechanism comprising a rotatable frame having means for resiliently gripping the individual links as they are advanced thereto, means associated with said link gripping means for inlating and slitting the casing, rotatable means for engaging the casing as it leaves said inflating and slitting means and for exerting a pull thereon to advance the links relative to said rotatable frame, power means for rotating said frame, power means for rotating said casing engaging means, and automatic control means for selectively operating the power means for said frame and for said casing engaging means, said control means comprising a pair of pivotally connected ngers arranged on opposite sides of the links and engaging the links as they advance toward said gripping means, said ngers being pivotally mounted on a supporting arm member which arm member is pivotally7 supported adjacent said gripping means, resilient means for urging said ngers towards each other and into engaging relation with the links, resilient means for urging said supporting arm member in a direction to move said fingers along the links and away from said link gripping means and permitting movement of said fingers for a predetermined distance toward said link gripping means, and means actuated by pivoted movement of said ngers to connect and disconnect the power means with said rotatable frame and said casing engaging means Awhereby the successive links are rotated and the casing is removed therefrom in response to movement of the links.

References Cited in the i'ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,340,755 Jacobson Feb. 1, 1944 2,630,598 Grey Mar. 10, 1953 

